Top Ten: Prepare for a Hurricane (or Other Disaster)

Create a "quick link" on your computer to the National Hurricane Web site at www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Do not rely on secondhand information from news channels. Go straight to the source.

9

Develop a system for quick communication with parents/guardians, such as"Ventriloquist Voice Solutions" or other similar phone voice broadcast systems.

8

Identify a back-up communication site away from your main campus in the event that power lines are downed and/or telephone and cell phone usage is interrupted in order to send e-mail or phone calls to parents/guardians, staff, and local authorities.

7

Identify and practice preplanned evacuation routes from your camp to major highways. (More than one route is suggested!)

6

Identify preplanned alternate staff housing for staff that live outside the immediate area.

5

Create a "Camp Shut-down Plan" that identifies which camp employees are responsible for which shut-down tasks (e.g., shutting off power, closing doors/shutters, etc.).

4

Establish a "Camper and Staff Evacuation Plan" that identifies who is responsible for each evacuation task (e.g., making phone calls to parents/guardians, arranging airport transportation for campers, arranging ground transportation for campers, designating "evacuation leaders," etc.).